Seth MacFarlane will announce Oscar nominations along with hosting

Seth MacFarlane, tapped in October to host the Oscars, also will announce… (Vince Bucci / Fox )

For the first time in 40 years, the host of the Academy Awards also will announce the nominees. Seth MacFarlane, tapped in October as the emcee for the 85th annual Oscars, will help read the nominations early Thursday morning, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday.

The comedian behind "Family Guy" and "Ted" is the only person to host the awards telecast and announce the nominations besides Charlton Heston, who did both in 1972.

Joining MacFarlane in reading the nominations at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday will be Emma Stone, who stars in the upcoming "Gangster Squad."